Discussion: Art skill development

[mekare]

Since we are in between challenges atm, I’d be interested in what you are all working on. Do you have a specific skill you are trying to learn? A technique or new medium? A subject matter you haven’t portrayed a lot? Is making time for your art a challenge right now?

What are your personal challenges right now or your successes?

Comments

[dray]

Getting back into art after a very long break, for me. I doodled a little at a concert last week, but other than that, it's been a months-long dry spell. I blame being in writing mode, so it's not that I'm making no use of my time, at least.

I also try to save up my grit and enthusiasm for June, July and August. Artslam happens then, where folks are challenged to draw every day over the summer (preferably sticking to a theme each month, but sometimes just putting a sketch down is all you can get that day!) Last year I managed to get through about two of the three months working on a comic, which I've been fleshing out in writing ever since. Staying focused seems to be less of an issue than oscillating between how to tell said story.

Could definitely use some practice with inking and colouring though. I'm going to need it!

[mekare]

I also try to save up my grit and enthusiasm for June, July and August

Oh that's certainly a good idea. Go you for being creative with writing though!

[dray]

It's a good excuse when I'm in hibernation mode, though saying that, your post reminded me I should probably not stop entirely. nexticon seems like a good place to do bite-sized art--drawing icons is very soothing when doing bigger projects seems tough.

[mific]

Great that you’re writing though - I find that harder than art these days!

[dray]

It vacillates for me; some days sitting and working on a single image seems like it's taking so long that I could have gotten a 1000 words done--but when the words don't come and I happen to feel the itch to make something strike, it's good to have a few sketchbooks scattered around just in case.

I think the biggest area of practice for me (besides all of the technical skills and areas of focus) is simply to keep a practice going. Maybe with both sides. Have you seen some of the schedules that comic artists post? It's pretty intense... but maybe blocking off some time would be good to practice focus?? Who knows.

Anything that you're feeling stuck on with writing? Or just not in the mood?